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Beginning at 7:00 p.m., I'll be joined by County Executive Bryan Hill to discuss the FY 2026 budget and take your questions.
You can watch the town hall three different ways:
If you have a question during the town hall, there are two ways to submit them:
- Call (703) 324-1114 during the program to ask your question live on air.
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Use the Facebook Live chat
The Board will also host a series of Budget Public Hearings from April 22-24 at the Government Center and wants to hear from residents. You are encouraged to sign up to speak in-person, by video, or by phone at one of the three meetings.
In addition to tonight's town hall and the upcoming hearings, you can submit your comments and feedback using these methods:
Loud Exhaust Enforcement Vetoed
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As we've shared previously, HB 2550, which would authorize Northern Virginia localities to place and operate noise monitoring devices for the purpose of recording and enforcing exhaust system violations in a pilot program, was one of Fairfax County's legislative initiatives in Richmond this year. As Chair of the Board’s Legislative Committee, I worked closely with Delegate Rip Sullivan to draft the legislation and move it through the General Assembly with bipartisan support. It would give Fairfax County, and other localities in Northern Virginia, a tool to address the epidemic of illegal, modified exhausts that create significant noise pollution and safety issues while degrading the quality of life in many of our neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed the bill. While I was disappointed in the veto, I was even more disappointed that the Governor's veto statement suggests that he is unfamiliar with both the current law related to vehicle exhausts and the Police Officer safety issues that the current law creates, essentially requiring officers to crawl underneath vehicles to visually inspect exhausts to determine whether they have been modified. Asking Police Officers to crawl underneath a vehicle on the shoulder during a traffic stop puts them at risk and is not an effective way to enforce the Code that makes modified, loud exhausts illegal. Other jurisdictions across our region and the nation are implementing automated noise monitoring devices to effectively enforce the law and allow Police Officers to focus on improving public safety. I'm disappointed that Virginia will continue to lag behind and that our residents will continue to endure the piercing noise created by illegal exhausts.
Congratulations George Mason Basketball!
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Women's History Month in real-time: The George Mason University Women's Basketball Team made their own HERstory this season when they became the Atlantic 10 Conference Champions for the first time in school history!
The team's season ended last week in Baton Rouge in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the first time the women's program had qualified.
Congratulations to the Women's Basketball team's players, coaches, and supporters for an impressive season! We are proud of you.
George Mason's Men's Basketball Team also had an impressive season, finishing second place in the Atlantic 10 conference before falling in the second round of the NIT. I'm looking forward to seeing both the Women's and Men's teams soaring to even higher heights next year!
| | Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | | Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates. | | |
Continue reading below for more information on:
- Tax Relief Workshops
- I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study Public Information Meetings
- LLI April Forum
- Free Wellness Event for Older Adults
- 2025 Paving and Restriping Program
- Site Specific Plan Amendments
- CCFAC Draft Categories
- Prom Dress Shop
- FCPA To Begin Wakefield Park Tennis and Pickleball Court Enhancements
- Volunteer to Support Veterans
- Intern in the Braddock District!
- Training Opportunity for Federal Workers & Contractors
- Resources for Federal Employees and Contractors
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Staff from the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) will hold Tax Relief Workshops to assist qualified seniors and people with disabilities with completing the 2025 tax relief application form and to answer questions. To ensure that individuals are assisted promptly, workshops will utilize appointment scheduling.
The workshops will take place around the County; the Braddock District’s will be tomorrow, Friday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Braddock Hall (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
To request an appointment with DTA for a designated workshop, either in Braddock or another location, call (703) 222-8234 (press 0, then 0, and ask for the Tax Relief & Exemptions Office from the customer service representative) or email TaxRelief@FairfaxCounty.gov.
| | I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study Public Information Meetings | | |
Learn about and provide input on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study, an environmental study evaluating the potential extension of the express lanes system on the southern section of the Capital Beltway (I-495) by 11 miles from the Springfield Interchange (I-95/I-395/I-495) in Fairfax County, Virginia, across the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, to the MD 210 Interchange in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
All meetings are from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. They will be open house format with a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.
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Tuesday, April 1
- West Potomac High School Cafeteria (6500 Quander Road, Alexandria)
Wednesday, April 2
- Oxon Hill High School Auditorium (6701 Leyte Drive, Oxon Hill, MD)
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Monday, April 7
- Thomas A. Edison High School Cafeteria (5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria)
Wednesday, April 9
- Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria)
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Beginning April 1, visit the Virtual Public Information Room where you can view the meeting presentation and boards, and provide input.
Information will be provided on the three alternatives under review (No-Build Alternative, 1 Express Lane Alternative, and 2 Express Lanes Alternative) to address identified transportation needs within the study area. These needs include extending and providing continuity of the express lanes system on I-495, providing additional travel choices, reducing congestion and improving travel reliability, improving safety, and providing consistency with local and regional plans. VDOT will also provide preliminary traffic analysis data and updates on study progress.
The public is invited to provide input by Monday, April 21 by submitting oral and/or written comments at the meetings, via the online comment form, emailing 495southsideexpresslanes@vdot.virginia.gov, or mailing:
Michelle Shropshire, P.E.
VDOT Northern Virginia Megaprojects Director
4975 Alliance Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
The I-495 Express Lane Study is an Environmental Assessment, in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 23 CFR Part 771. VDOT is leading this study, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other federal, state, and local agencies in Virginia and Maryland.
VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at (703) 259-1775.
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The Lifetime Learning Institute (LLI) invites you to their April forum to hear from Josephine Doumbia, a naturalist with the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA).
Josephine will talk about the spring return to our region of hawks, eagles, and falcons, all raptor birds of prey that play a critically important role in ecosystem health.
After a 25-year career with the World Bank focusing on environmental sustainability issues, Ms. Doumbia now is using her global expertise as a board member with various local environmental groups, including the NVBA, Nature Forward, and Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions.
The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, and is open to the public. There will be a social beginning at 9:30 a.m. Read more on LLI's website.
| | Free Wellness Event for Older Adults | | |
Join George Mason University and the Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA) for a free wellness event on Friday, April 4, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the WCOA (4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax).
You can get a free blood pressure test, balance assessment, strength test, and thinking skills test. The test can take up to one hour.
To qualify, you must be over 55 years old, have corrected vision/hearing, and can read and understand English.
Registration is highly recommended but walk-ins will be accepted if there is availability. Register online or call (703) 970-3601 or (703) 993-6929.
| | 2025 Paving and Restriping Program | | |
VDOT staff will host a virtual public information meeting to provide an overview of the upcoming paving program in the Braddock District. VDOT will outline the paving process and planned paving projects for the district. The Braddock District meeting will be held jointly with the Hunter Mill and Providence Districts.
The virtual meeting will be held on April 8 at 7:00 p.m. It is anticipated that the following streets in the Braddock District will be repaved during this paving season:
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- Bexley Lane
- Asquith Court
- Kenerson Drive
- Burnetta Drive
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- Guinea Road (segments)
- Clara Barton Drive
- Pickett Road
- University Drive
| | Site Specific Plan Amendments | | |
The 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) nomination period ran earlier this year, during which property owners and potential developers submitted nominations, or proposed land use changes. There was one nomination in the Braddock District, which is for StorageMart, located at 11325 Route 29, Fairfax, at the southeast corner of Route 29 and Shirley Gate Road. The property is currently developed with a self-storage facility.
StorageMart is seeking a Comprehensive Plan amendment to support an expansion of its operations. The Comprehensive Plan designates this area as a suburban neighborhood with residential communities and limited commercial areas along the Route 29 corridor. The site itself is planned with options for office uses up to 0.25 FAR, retail uses up to 0.35 FAR, and for residential use at up to three dwellings per acre on the vacant parcel south of the StorageMart along Shirley Gate Road. This proposal would add an option for the existing self-storage use to expand onto this residential lot. If the Board of Supervisors were to ultimately approve this request, the properties would require an entitlement action and additional approvals, including a rezoning, before construction could begin.
County Planning staff are reviewing this nomination. As part of that process, they will be holding a community meeting to ensure those living and working near the nominated sites know about the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and can ask questions and provide comments. Following the community meetings, the Planning Commission will hold workshops on the nominations in April and May. The final step will be action by the Board of Supervisors to add nominations to the Work Program, which is expected in June.
A virtual community meeting on the StorageMart nomination has been scheduled for April 1 at 7:00 p.m. Join online or by phone at (703) 429-5982, Phone Conference ID 597 754 493#.
It’s important to know what they community thinks about this proposed land use change. Please pass this information along to others in your community and join the meeting to learn more, ask questions, and provide your thoughts.
If you have any questions, contact Marcia Pape at (703) 425-9300 or marcia.pape@fairfaxcounty.gov. Read more on the SSPA webpage.
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The Fairfax County Consolidated Community Funding Advisory Committee (CCFAC) has released, for public comment, the Draft Categories for the Consolidated Community Funding Pool (CCFP) for the FY 2027-2028 two-year cycle. The CCFP is a Fairfax County competitive contract award process for eligible programs and services offered by community-based organizations.
During the hybrid (in-person and virtual) public hearing, on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m., participants will have an opportunity to make presentations and provide information about the proposed categories. The CCFAC is interested in hearing from ALL residents, including those who need or are receiving human services assistance, from local community and faith-based organizations, and private enterprises that provide direct services to or advocate for County residents.
Visit Engage Fairfax for information on providing public comment and/or attending the CCFAC meeting (virtually or in-person). The public can complete the CCFP Public Comment Survey, submit written comments to DPMMCCFP@fairfaxcounty.gov, and/or attend in-person or virtually. To speak at the hearing, register to be added to the Public Hearing Presentation List by 12:00 p.m. on April 8. All written comments must also be received by 12:00 p.m. on April 8.
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Students from Centreville High School and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program have opened their Annual Prom Dress Shop, which aims to help economically challenged students celebrate in style.
The shop, which operates out of Centreville High School, has helped hundreds of students attend proms each spring by providing prom dresses and accessories at no cost to students. Any area student, not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools, who does not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of dresses donated by Macy’s and community members.
In 2006, Centreville High School and Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall students partnered together to collect dresses as a way to combine their interests in fashion with community service. The marketing students apply the retail marketing and visual merchandising skills learned throughout the school year to transform their classroom into the Prom Dress Shop.
Members of the community who wish to donate gently used, dry-cleaned prom dresses and accessories may drop off items in the Main Office at Centreville High School. The office is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The program can also accept donations during shop hours on April 4-6.
The Prom Dress Shop is located in the modular classroom building near the stadium, in the student parking lot of Centreville High School, outside of door 12.
Students with financial challenges who wish to obtain prom wear through the program must show a valid student ID or other form of school identification to select a free dress during the following store hours:
- Friday, April 4 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 5 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, April 6 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Read more about the Prom Dress Shop.
| | FCPA To Begin Wakefield Park Tennis and Pickleball Court Enhancements | | |
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin renovating the tennis and pickleball court areas at Wakefield Park (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale) to enhance playing conditions and increase dedicated courts for pickleball. Construction, led by contractor ATC Corp, is expected to begin early April 2025.
The project will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will include converting Tennis Court 11 into four dedicated pickleball courts, renovating Tennis Courts 7 and 8, restoring Courts 9 and 10 to tennis-only use, and repairing Tennis Courts 1 and 2. The basketball courts will also undergo repairs, with completion expected by late June. Weather permitting, Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by mid-July 2025.
Phase 2 will follow shortly after, replacing half of the walled practice court with two additional dedicated pickleball courts, while preserving the tennis practice wall and courts closest to Courts 9 and 10. This phase will require additional site work, including modifying an existing trail and relocating picnic tables. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by Fall 2025, pending necessary permits and weather conditions.
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During construction, Tennis Courts 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as Pickleball Courts 12 and 13, will remain open for public use. Directional signage will guide visitors to alternative pickleball court access, ensuring safe entry. However, visitors are reminded to avoid designated construction areas. Residents should also expect occasional construction traffic entering and exiting near Court 11 via the park access road. Construction hours will be 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Residents are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative courts to use during construction.
Once completed, Wakefield Park will feature 10 dedicated tennis courts and eight dedicated pickleball courts, reducing competition for dual-use courts and better accommodating the County’s growing demand for racket sports. The final design was informed by public feedback from the July 9, 2024, meeting. The $300,000 project is funded through the FY 2024 Third Quarter Budget Consideration Item, sponsored by Chairman Jeff McKay and Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
FCPA remains committed to expanding accessible playing surfaces for racket sports. With this project, Fairfax County will offer 90 pickleball courts and 193 tennis courts across its parks. For more details, visit the Wakefield Tennis and Pickleball Redevelopment Project page on PublicInput or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| | Volunteer to Support Veterans | | |
The Veterans Connect program recruits veteran volunteer drivers to provide transportation to elderly veterans in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties. Volunteer drivers, veterans and military supporters alike, use their own vehicles to offer “more than just a ride” to nearby veterans in need. The program works closely with NV Rides and many local service organizations who receive ride requests from local veterans.
Far too many veterans in Northern Virginia need help with rides to access healthcare, food banks/grocery stores, and other important appointments. With the help of volunteer drivers, we can combat this growing transportation crisis and help those veterans most in need.
Thank you for your support helping to promote this program, and for sharing our critical need for volunteer drivers.
To learn more, contact lfrazza@datatrans.org or (703) 819-3459.
| | Intern in the Braddock District! | | |
The Braddock District office is filled with superheroes and is looking for more to join the team this summer!
Supervisor Walkinshaw's office is accepting applications for a paid summer internship. College students residing in or from the Braddock District are encouraged to apply.
Interns will assist with a myriad of public service activities, which may include:
- Assisting constituents
- Research projects for Supervisor Walkinshaw and staff
- Assisting with communications, including writing, graphic design, and social media
More information on job duties, skills, schedule, and how to apply is available on the Braddock website. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 31.
| | Training Opportunity for Federal Workers & Contractors | | |
NOVA Launches Training Opportunity for Recently Unemployed Federal Workers and Contractors
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is stepping up to support recently unemployed federal workers and contractors with the launch of NOVAnext - a $1 million scholarship initiative designed to help individuals transition into their next careers.
This program provides access to free courses, including IT certifications, program management, HR, entrepreneurship, and Generative AI. Participants will also benefit from resume writing and job search workshops to better equip them for the job market.
Key Details:
✅ Up to $1 million in scholarships available
✅ 14 courses designed to build skills for industry-recognized certifications
✅ Self-paced, online entrepreneurship courses
✅ Free resume & job search workshops
This is an incredible opportunity for individuals affected by recent employment disruptions to upgrade their skills and secure new career paths.
Eligibility:
🔹 Must have been laid off after February 1, 2025
🔹 Reside within the NOVA service area
🔹 Complete an online application
Apply today or learn more.
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Resources for Federal
Employees and Contractors
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Fairfax County Resource and Service Website
Thousands of County residents and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget. The County has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors, and anyone else affected by job loss.
Federal Representatives
Each member of Fairfax County's Congressional Delegation has provided access to resources, including the opportunity for federal employees to anonymously report abuses of power, review employment rights/civil service law, and understand whistleblower protections. If you or someone you know is a federal employee, review and share these resources, and subscribe to your federal representatives’ newsletters to stay informed.
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Senator Mark Warner
Senator Tim Kaine
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Congressman Don Beyer
Congressman Gerry Connolly
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Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
As the employment landscape is shifting in the Greater Washington region, find a job in Northern Virginia – your skills and experience are valuable, and companies are looking to hire YOU.
Actions to take to find a job and get hired:
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Browse 45,000+ open positions with companies looking to hire in Northern Virginia.
- Visit your local Virginia Career Works Career Center or make a virtual appointment.
- Connect with Fairfax County’s One-stop Employment Resources Center services.
Join a Weekly Webinar to Stay Informed
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority will host a free weekly webinar to connect job seekers with the resources they need to find a job in Northern Virginia. Whether you are looking for a job or supporting displaced staff, these sessions are packed with valuable insights on actions to take to get re-employed. View how to register here.
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